SAG AWARDS 2016: The Red Carpet

SAG AWARDS 2016: The Red Carpet

The SAG Awards are the second key moment of this awards season, and style-wise a warm-up between the Globes and the Oscars. As the winners of the night rehearse their speeches for their big time at the Oscars, let's have a look at the best (and worst) fashion moments of the night:

STAR OF THE SHOW

Alicia Vikander (The Danish Girl/Ex-Machina) in Louis Vuitton

Bow down to the most beautiful Louis Vuitton dress I have ever seen on a red carpet: simple in the design and dazzling in the details. Swedish actress Alicia Vikander definitely looked like the star she will become. Best look of the night.

BREATH-TAKING

Viola Davis (How To Get Away With Murder) in Zac Posen_Brie Larson (Room) in Atelier Versace Couture

As I always say, "you can never go wrong with a Zac Posen's design" and Viola Devis is another proof of that: the color of the dress is amazing on her skin, the feminine shape on the gown enhanced her figure and that smile..well that was the cherry on top! Actress of the year Brie Larson got the couture treatment directly from Atelier Versace, as she wore a couture piece straight from the house's spring 2016 couture collection. The dress proved to have "red carpet" potential on the runway, and I am glad to see how beautiful it looks on Brie. My only side note has to be the shoes: WTF???

SISTERLY LOVE

Kate Mara in Valentino_Rooney Mara in Valentino

The Mara sisters had a Valentino moment on the red carpet. Kate Mara wore a piece from the spring summer 2016 collection, while Rooney Mara opted for a couture piece from the fall winter collection. Same designer, different interpretations: I have to say that Rooney looked regal (even if I wanted to see some major jewellery piece with that gown), while Kate definitely brought some sensuality to her dress. 

SHOCKING PINK

Emilia Clarke (Game Of Thrones) in Dior_Sofia Vergara (Modern Family) in Vera Wang

Only the brave. Emilia Clarke wore the second decent Dior design of this year awards season, while Sofia Vergara (as always) favored a mermaid-like dress: the designs were not original, but the color sealed the deal. 

THE MICHAEL'S ANGELS

Saoirse Ronan (Brooklyn) in Michael Kors_Queen Latifah (Bessie) in Michael Costello

Ok, let's forget the bad title-joke. But I have to admit that Michael Kors and Michael Costello gifted Saoirse Ronan and Queen Latifah with two beautiful elegant and timeless dresses. In both cases the styling was kept to the minimum, I could not agree more.

EYE-CATCHING TOPS

Sarah Paulson (ASH: Hotel) in Armani Privé couture_Kristen Wiig (The Martian) in Roland Mouret

Couture make over also for Sarah Paulson, who turned to Armani to find the perfect dress for the evening. Usually I am not a fan of her on the red carpet, but this time I love the injection of color. Kristen Wiig brought back my love for jumpsuits, wearing a modern number for Roland Mouret. I would wear it in a heart-beat.

YOUNG HOLLYWOOD

Maise Williams (Game Of Thrones) in Ermanno Scervino_Sophie Turner (Game Of Thrones) in Carolina Herrera

This time I am not really impressed by the fashion choices of the two British stars: they looked ready for prom rather than for the red carpet. Maisie Williams wore an Ermanno Scervino's dress, that in my opinion looked too heavy for her petit frame; Sophie Turner was lovely in Carolina Herrera, but she was not memorable. I am a "dress to impress" kind of person, so this is miss for me.

Ariel Winter (Modern Family) in Romona Keveza_Kiernan Shipka (Mad Men) in Erdem_Sarah Hyland (Modern Family) in J Mendel

Keeping up with the young hollywood section we have Ariel Winter in a bombshell attire by Romona Keveza, Kiernan Shipka in a youthful and elegant Erdem design, and Sarah Hyland in a blue J Mendel. Kiernan looked the best, as it was easy to find some flaws in both Ariel and Sarah's styling choises: Ariel's frosty rose lipstick and Sarah's poor hair style were definitely a total let down. 

SPARKLING COUTURE

Julianne Moore in Givenchy Couture_Nicole Kidman in Gucci

This is a hard one: two Hollywood royalties wearing the designs from two major fashion houses...and the result is not that good. Julianne Moore's lime green Givenchy dress was doing nothing for her body; however the color was beautiful on her. As for Nicole Kidman...well, that Gucci number was simply not made for her. Let's start by saying that this is a tricky dress: I could see a younger celebrity rocking it and I can imagine a model wearing it for an editorial, but in my opinion this gown has no red carpet potential, and Nicole dear, that styling is not helping either.

CLASSIC ALLURE

Anna Faris (Mom) in Naeem Khan_Rachel McAdams (Spotlight) in Elie Saab_Marisa Tomei (Empire) in Zuhair Murad couture

I see 3 beautiful dresses that needed a bit more of drama in the styling.
A red pout for Anna Faris and that gorgeous red Naeem Khan gown; a sleek hairstyle and a darker eyeshadow to upgrade Rachel McAdams in Elie Saab. Marisa Tomei disappointed me in the shoe-department and she definitely needed to pay more attention to her hairstyle, if she wanted to match that lovely teal Zuhair Murad.

NOT CONVINCING

Priyanka Chopra (Quantico) in Monique Lhuillier_Laverne Cox (Orange is the New Black) in Prabal Gurung_Eva Longoria (Telenovela) in Julien MacDonald

What do we have here? A bridal gown, a terrible pose and a hot mess. Wow, three beautiful ladies that did not manage to stand out in the crowd: Priyanka Chopra's Monique Lhuillier was a camouflage bridal gown; Laverne Cox was actually wearing a nice Prabal Gurung, but she killed off all the magic with that questionable pose; Eva Longoria  basically wore a dress that was meant for a taller person, and despite the fitting it is still very clear. BTW that hair style is a NO.

TOO MUCH FABRIC

Christina Hendricks (Mad Men) in Christian Siriano_Sola Bamis (Mad Men) in Lola Wusu

Usually I appreciate a bit of drama on the red carpet, but not in this case. One of the basic rules in fashion is to make sure that your client looks smoking hot in your design, and I dare you all to say that Christian Siriano or Lola Wusu accomplished that request. Sola Bamis should fire her stylist, while Christina Hendricks could have upgraded her dress with a pair of scissors: that piece of fabric on the shoulder was pointless. Chop it off next time! 

SKIN SKIN SKIN

Susan Sarandon in Max Mara_Eva Amurri in Gabriela Cadena_Kaley Cuoco (The Big Bang Theory) in Romona Keveza

Where should I begin? Susan Sarandon should have worn a white corset under that Max Mara tuxedo, and those pants needed to reach the floor. I do not have much to say about the Gabriela Cadena dress that Eva Amurri wore, if not "burn it". Kaley Cuoco dress could have been a good choice for the Grammys, but that sheer panel that does not match her skin-tone is a let down. Next.

Written by: Stella

SASHES AND TIARAS.....Miss World 2017 World Designer Fashion Show: My TOP 15 GOWNS!

SASHES AND TIARAS.....Miss World 2017 World Designer Fashion Show: My TOP 15 GOWNS!

Worldly Gowns: Miss World 2017 contestants modeling designs of designers from their own nations at the 2017 Miss World "World Designer Fashion Show/Miss World Top Model Competition", People's Republic of China

Some Photos Courtesy of Miss World Official Facebook Page

The 2017 Miss World Beauty Pageant is taking place in the People's Republic of China with the Grand Finals happening next week on November 18th in Sanya China. Lots of pre-Finals competitions and events have been happening in advance of the final crowning night and earlier this week was one of MY FAVORITES: The Miss World "World Designer Fashion Show and Miss World Top Model" Competition.

Miss World 2017 contestants in their "Word Designer" gowns--Miss World Designer Fashion Show & Top Model Competition, China

The Miss World Beauty Pageant has a fabulous fashion show showcasing the contestants modeling gowns created by designers from their home countries and this year they continued the tradition with all the 118 contestants doing just that. The designs were judged and a special award is given to the "World Designer" whose design was judged the best. On the same night, 30 contestants were chosen to compete in the Miss World Top Model competition with the winner being fast-tracked to be in the Top 40. The Miss World 2017 Top Model was the 6 foot+ tall Miss World Nigeria Ugochi Ihezue. She was so tall that the gown she wore from a featured Chinese designer was VERY SHORT (see photo below!).

Miss World Supermodel: The winner of the "2017 Miss World Top Model Competition", Miss World Nigeria Ugochi Ihezue (2nd from left), with her Runners-up (L to R) Miss World Croatia Tea Nlinaric, Miss World Thailand Patlada Kulphakthanapat, and Miss World China PR Guan Siyu--Miss World Designer Fashion Show & Top Model Competition, China

OK, now to more important matters: MY TOP 15 BEST Gowns worn by the "Miss World 2017" contestants for the 2017 Miss World "World Designer Fashion Show". I watched the video of the fashion show (watch at the end of this post)--showing all the 118 contestants in her home-designers gowns--and so I have to say that my criteria was based A LOT on how they modeled the designs and basically how they "worked it!"...

Too Typical and Boring...for Miss World Designer--(L to R) Miss World Rwanda Elsa Iradukunda, Miss World Ecuador Romina Zeballos and Miss World Uruguay Melina Carballo--Miss World 2017 World Designer Fashion Show/Top Model Competition

I also think of this "Miss World "World Designer" Competition/Fashion Show as a way to not just showcase the hometown designers but show some creativity that might be "unique", but still chic and stylish with an Haute taste level. Several contestants wore gowns that, while pretty and OK--looked like they came from a "Pageant and Prom" Shop (like the ones above). And then, there were some that were TACKY-LICIOUS, like the ones below:

Oh Dear!--Miss World 2017 contestants wearing designs that would end up in the "Uh Oh" List (L to R) Miss World Egypt Farah Shaaban, Miss World Scotland Romy McCahill, and Miss World Equatorial Guinea Catalina Mange Ondo--Miss World 2017 World Designer Fashion Show/Top Model Competition

So...yeah, I wasn't interested in those but more with ones that had a unique creativity and at the same time, looked RUNWAY FAB.



I will start with the actual winner--Miss World Indonesia:

1. Miss World Indonesia Achintya Holte Nilsen: Achintya wore this beautiful creme colored gown from Indonesian brand and designer, Provocate by Melta Tan. And yes, she--or her dress--was judged to be the BEST design from the Miss World 2017 World Designer Fashion Show. The gown was gorgeous and very Haute Couture in its style, design and perfect fit. The dress featured that very popular "nude dress" look with a see-through ivory colored crinoline base with gold sequin applique/embroidery, topped off with a stiffened overskirt that had a sweeping train and the same gold applique that was featured in the main dress. It was pretty much THE PERFECT Miss World gown.

Score: 9.95

2. Miss World Cote D'Ivoire Mandjalia Gbane: Mandjalia wore this SUPER FAB gown above. Her runway presentation was EVERYTHING! She was not only beautiful but supermodel fab. The brick-red colored gown itself also was fab, featuring lots of drama with that outstanding cape and gold details. The fit was IMPECCABLE. Take a look at the length and where all the seams hit: Just right! Mandjalia served them Cote D'Ivoire Couture HUNEY!!

Score: 9.85

3. Miss World Mexico Andrea Meza: OK, I have to say that for Andrea it was A LOT about her FIERCE runway presentation as I watched the video. She blew me away with how she worked this gown overtime and I was excited by the bold neon hue of her highlighter yellow gown. When I finally simmered down my excitement and took a closer look at the entire look including the gown and those UBER KRAY-KRAY strappy platform shoes, it was all a little TOO MUCHEEY but...here's the thing: I LOVED IT! I expect this Miss World "World Designer Fashion Show" to be almost like a Runway/Fashionable version of the "National Costumes Competition" so...for me, Andrea's gown and entire look/presentation was one the BEST!

Score: 9.75

4. Miss World Thailand Patlada Kulphakthanapak: I LOVED this elegant and classic gown design worn by Miss World Thailand. The golden silk design featured a simple sheath/column gown style with a dramatic "Queen of Siam"-like cape and gold sequined embellishment on the neck and back of the cape at the hem. This was one of those perfect examples of a unique gown that had "hints" of its Thai origins but still did not look like a costume and remained Runway Fab!

Score: 9.60 

5. Miss World Liberia Wokie Dolo: I LOVED this gown worn by Miss World Liberia. This was unique, colorful and entrance-making impacting! The neon yellow/green color looked AMAZING against the contestant's luxurious skin color and I also enjoyed the Haute Couture-like oversized leaf embellishments. This reminded of an old-school Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture gown-meets-Jean Paul Gaultier. If I had any critique, it would be the nude platform heels. Those looked like an afterthought and were the wrong styling choice. But I will just pretend those shoes are not there...for now.

Score: 9.50

6. Miss World India Manushi Chhillar: First off--Miss world India is GORGEOUS! OK, now, onto her gown: Also GORGEOUS! The heavily beaded dress was from Indian designers Falgune and Shane Peacock and featured that popular 'nude gown" look of nude illusion with geometrically placed rhinestones, all ending with a small flourish of pink colored ostrich feathers at the hem. She looked like a Hollywood A-List star on the red carpet of Cannes.

Score: 9.40

7. Miss World China PR Guan Siyu: The "Host Candidate" from the People's Republic of China had the pressure of making her nation's fashion designers proud with her gown choice for the Miss World/World Designer Fashion Show & Top Model Competition...and I think she did quite well! There were elements of Parisian Haute Couture--the fit, silhouette, expensive fabrication, Marie Antoinette mini panier--as well as hints of Chinese Traditional Dress with the neckline/collar, cap sleeves, embroidery. This was a strong World Designer Statement for the beautiful contestant from China. If there was any wish, it would have been stronger more "Runway Diva" hair.

Score: 9.30

8. Miss World Honduras Celia Monterrosa: Three words came to mind when I saw Miss World Honduras SAUNTER down the runway and they were YOU GO GIRL! I mean, seriously, look at her in this photo! Bravo Mija! I thought this royal blue/purple jersey gown was SEXY as all heck, and dramatic (that fabulous cape!) and fit perfectly. It definitely was impacting and she could stop traffic ANYWHERE (and for good reasons!) wearing this.

Score: 9.25

9. Miss World France Aurore Kichenin: Miss World France's gown made my Top 15 List here at No. 9. I thought this was an elegant design that looked refined and very Haute Couture in its intricate and exuberant gold sequined/metallic embroidery. The design featured a column gown with an attached overskirt. It was dramatic but without going over-the-top and reminded me of something from the Lebanese Couturiers who show in Paris, like Elie Saab or Zuhair Murad. I also have the same wish for her as I had for Miss World China: More Diva-like hair; her hairstyle looked way too sporty for such a red carpet-like gown.

Score: 9.10

10. Miss World Vietnam Do My Linh: This gown worn by Miss World Vietnam was stunning, elegant and very entrance-making. While it didn't really have any hints of traditional Vietnamese dress elements (I would have LOVED a Chic Couture Ao Dai perhaps!), it still made a strong classic impact, especially with the beautiful star-studded sequins and flowing overskirt silk chiffon drape.

Score: 9.05

11. Miss World Guyana Vena Mookram: I was impressed with this strapless sequined overskirt-style gown worn by Miss World Guyana. The dress fit very well, was the PERFECT length and the color and fabrication looked rich! I also loved her slicked-back hair and minimal accessories of earrings and a statement ring.

Score: 9.00 

12. Miss World Hungary Virag Koroknyai: OK, I'll be honest, at first I thought "Ummm, that's A LOT of flowers!" but I actually loved this entire look! The fit-and-flare shaped gown itself featured a sheer white iridescent organza-like fabrication with hand-sewn raw-edged flowers and a satin waistband. I loved the raw-edged organza/tulle flourish at the shoulders and yes, I even liked how it was all topped off with a matching hair accessory. It was unique (and in a good way) and made a strong runway impact.

Score: 8.99

13. Miss World Nepal Nikita Chandak: LOVE LOVE LOVE this mermaid-shaped gown worn by Miss World Nepal. It meshed elements of a tradition "pageant gown"(with the silhouette, sweetheart neckline and pouf bottom) as well as East Asian/Nepalese influences with the very rich and striking gold sequin work. She looked like the Queen of Nepal!

Score: 8.95

14. Miss World Canada Cynthia Menard: Cynthia wore this white fit-and-flare gown with a dramatic chiffon cape at the Miss World/World Designer Fashion Show and I thought it was a strong enough gown statement that I wanted to include it in my Top 15. She looked like a Runway Snow Angel in this look which was appropriate being that she was from Canada! The silver sequined lace scalloped hem trim reminded me of snowflakes and icicles and I also loved how she presented the design on the runway.

Score: 8.92

15. Miss World Russia Polina Popova: Last but certainly, not least, I also liked this red ballgown worn by the beautiful Polina Popova Miss World Russia. The red was so rich and vibrant, it definitely made everyone stop and gasp a "Wow!" and the gown itself looked expensive and fabulous with the dramatic tiered overskirt covered with hundreds upon hundreds of shimmering paillettes. There was a hint of a Supermodel Russian Doll in the overall look.

Score: 8.90



EXTRA:

Miss World Cook Islands Alanna Smith: I wanted to add Alanna's gown here because it was "different', made a DEFINITE IMPACT as she came down the runway and for its quite glorious way of celebrating her South Pacific islands' flora and fauna. This could have been a perfect costume for her but...it also made for a very glorious gown choice. I absolutely loved the feathered and flowered details at the shoulders/neck/bust and her crown...and the pretty ombre dyed chiffon. This to me, was like the Cook Island version of a very elegant and Haute Indian sari. And for that, I wanted to give Alanna (and whoever designed this) props!

Click below to watch Miss World 2017 "World Designer Fashion Show":





And don't forget to go to AMAZON.COM to Purchase my NEW "The Pageant Coloring Book". There are over 25 hand-drawn Pageant Gown Sketches for you to create your very own Evening Gown Competition! Click HERE to purchase:

British Fashion Minute: Royal Ascot 2012: The Fashion Hits and Misses

British Fashion Minute: Royal Ascot 2012: The Fashion Hits and Misses

Over The Top Hats, Colorful Ensembles, Kooky Costumes...no it's not RuPaul's Drag Race, it's Royal Ascot!

Team England: A Royal Ascot guest showing how much she loves sports, Royal Ascot, Ascot England

Every June, for five days, Great Britain celebrates Royal Ascot. Dating back to (wait for it) 1711 when it was founded by Queen Anne, the Royal Ascot is one of Europe's most famous race meetings. it has become a national institution all these years, THE centerpiece of the British social calendar. What people wear to the Royal Ascot has become almost more important than the races themselves. First, it's all about the HATS. Then the ensembles; the more colorful, the better. This is not the place to be a "wallflower", it about getting noticed and standing out.  Let's take a look...

British Music and "Hollywood" Royalty: (Left to right) Dame Shirley Bassey decided to don a coral-orange hat with left-and-right over-sized organza flowers. I wished her outfit was just a teeny bit more COUTURE though (to match the over-the-top hat!)--a short-sleeved macrame sweater/cardigan over a dress? Not so much. But...Miss Helen Mirren looked AMAZING in this dark blue and white ensemble and blue wide-brimmed hat. Très Elegant!



The Royals:

 

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II: Queen Elizabeth II LOVES her pastels, we know that. Take a look at this coat and dress ensemble in a pale pink color with matching hat she wore on Day Two of Royal Ascot. It looks "Queen"-appropriate enough--in terms of its non-fashion dowdiness. However, take a look at that sleeve--it's a sign of whimsy and yes, Elizabeth might still have some Fashionista in her!

Princess Anne and Princess Beatrice: On Day Three, Princess Anne, the Princess Royal and her niece Princess Beatrice, arrives via Royal Carriage (naturally). Both looked great in their contrasting color flower-printed ensembles. Beatrice has become quite a Royal Fashion Icon of sorts (lest we forget that infamous Philip Treacy hat and Valentino ensemble she wore at Kate and William's Wedding.

Red and Gray: (Left to right) Carole Middleton, mother of Catherine Duchess of Cambridge in a red suit and matching colored hat and Sophie, the Countess of Wessex (Prince Edward's wife) who chose a slate gray coat-dress and yes--a matching wide brimmed hat, of course.

Top Hat Chic: (Left to right) Prince Charles and his wife, Camilla Duchess of Cornwall arriving on Day One looking like the Picture Perfect Royal Ascot couple. Prince Charles made GQ's Best Dressed Men List for 2012 recently and he is living up to that title in his impeccable Morning Dress suit and black top hat. Camilla looks quite elegant in her vanilla coat-and-dress ensemble and hat. Recently hospitalized Prince Phillip--the Queen's husband of course--also could take "Best Dressed Man at Royal Ascot 2012" in his black Morning Dress suit with a grey top hat and waistcoat. Traditionally, the waistcoat is supposed to be matching the Morning Coat, but here, Prince Phillip dares to be a "Dandy" by bucking tradition and wearing a contrasting colored yellow-creme waistcoat.



The Hats:

Pearls and Lips: Royal Ascot racegoer shoes off her colorful over-the-top hat

Like I said in the beginning of the post, Royal Ascot is ALL about the HATS--here are some of the Standouts--in Themes:



Food:

Breakfast and Tea & Crumpets: I absolutely LOVE the racegoer with her "Breakfast is Served" hat consisting of a fried egg, sausages, beans...she definitely should get the "gays LOVES Brunch" prize! The ladies above went with the "Tea and Crumpets" food theme. very, very British.

A Blueberry Custard Pie: I also love this hat--why? Because I wanna EAT it. She gets a "YUMMY" Prize for sure!

UK Love:

Of course, it would not be Royal Ascot without some hats featuring a LOVE for Great Britain. Here are two good ones: A King's Crown with feathers and yes, the "Union Jack" flag over-sized bow-on-a-headband headdress. These should be the hats the British Airways Flight Attendants should wear--well--if I designed their next uniforms!



Ornithology Hat Chic:

Flamingo and Swan Ladies: I really hope none of these hats are "dropping" eggs! Here are two Royal Ascot racegoers giving you some "Bird Hat Style", Ascot England

At Royal Ascot, the dress code is strictly enforced. For women, only a
day dress with a hat is acceptable, with rules applying to the length
and style of the dress. In addition: strapless, off the shoulder, halter-style, spaghetti straps and dresses with straps that are less than 1" are NOT permitted in the Royal Ascot. There are even "Dress Code Assistants" walking around making sure that your ensemble is a "Royal Ascot Yes"; in other words, within their rules.



What do you guys think of these Royal Ascot looks: Yeay or Nay???

And here is a definite Royal Ascot DON'T:

UK Hoochie: Ladies, if you are planning to attend next year's Royal Ascot, look above for the ensembles you should NOT be wearing! These tacky, hoochie iridescent blue jumpsuits are courtesy of the Tantric Blue Strip Club Girls. Needless to say, they were NOT allowed into the Royal Ascot since well, they did not really meet the "Dress Requirements" so they remained outside the grounds and handed out promotional material for the club. Bless their Hearts. Their parents should be so proud. This is a definite Royal Ascot Fashion DON'T.